Police shoot pit bull after it attacks officers

File photoThis file photo shows a pit bull involved in fatal attack on another dog in New Jersey.

KINGSTON, N.Y. — A 32-year-old man has been charged with assault after authorities say he released his pit bull to attack an officer trying to arrest him on a local street.

Police in Kingston tell local media that an officer attempted to arrest David Smith of the town of Olive on an outstanding warrant after being spotted walking a dog on Sunday on Hudson Valley Street.

Police say he released the dog as the officer approached. Other officers arrived on the scene and used a stun gun to subdue Smith. Officials say the dog attacked the officers, biting one in the hand, before the officers shot the canine.

The dog survived and was taken to an animal hospital for treatment.

Smith was also charged with resisting arrest and criminal mischief. He’s being held pending his arraignment.